Latest Unemployment Figures

17th August 2006

SUMMARY
The July 2006 unemployment figures were released on 16th August 2006. During the month, June 2006 to July 2006, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Great Britain rose by 0.7%, from 925,466 to 932,191 (6,725 claimants). This figure is higher than the same period last year, where the number of claimants stood at 841,421, an increase of 10.8% (90,770 claimants). The number of people claiming unemployment benefit in Scotland also rose during the month, rising 2.2%, from 90,091 to 92,105 (2,014 claimants). This figure is higher than July last year, where the number of claimants stood at 88,480, an increase of 4.1% (3,625 claimants).

The HIE area was the only area to witness a decrease in the number of people claiming
unemployment, during the month June to July 2006, falling 0.3% from 5,779 to 5,760 (19 claimants). This figure is higher than July last year, where the total claimants stood at 5,534, an increase of 4.1% (226 claimants).

Source - Highlands and Islands Enterpise
Further economic information and previous Factsheets can be accessed on the HIE Website: http://www.hie.co.uk

Over the month to July 2006, the number of people claiming unemployment benefit fell in 6 of the 9 LEC areas. Orkney had the greatest increase over the month, rising 9.0% from 166 to 181 claimants. Lochaber had the greatest decrease over the month, falling 7.0%, from 213 to 198. Over the year to July 2006, there was an increase in 6 of the LEC areas, and a decrease in the remaining 3. Lochaber had the greatest increase over the year, rising 24.5% from 159 to 198 claimants. Shetland had the greatest decrease over the year, down 8.0% from 225 to 207 claimants.

Unemployment In Caithness And Sutherland Council Wards
Number and percentage
Caithness North West48 3.1
Thurso West 46 2.9
Thurso Central 41 2.7
Thurso East 40 2.7
Caithness Central 30 1.8
Caithness North East 32 2.1
Wick 68 4.3
Wick West 47 3.5
Pulteneytown 93 5.9
Caithness South East 59 4.2
Sutherland North West57 2.1
Tongue and Farr 38 3.4
Sutherland Central 41 3.0
Golspie and Rogart 27 2.3
Brora 47 3.4
Dornoch Firth 21 1.4
Total 705 3.1